In Strength or Weakness
Opening Prayer
Lord, my desire is to see You move freely in my life. I surrender all to You.
Read 2 Samuel 19:18-30
[18] They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king [19] and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. [20] For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.” [21] Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD’s anointed.” [22] David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” [23] So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath. [24] Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. [25] When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?” [26] He said, “My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ But Ziba my servant betrayed me. [27] And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever you wish. [28] All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?” [29] The king said to him, “Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.” [30] Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Do you find yourself able to let God vindicate you?The background to this passage is 2 Samuel 16:1-14. As David left Jerusalem in disgrace, members of Saul’s clan repositioned themselves. First, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, came to David with provisions. He said his master had stayed at home, hopeful that Saul’s dynasty could be restored. Then Shimei cursed David as he retreated, hurling stones and abuse at him. In his darkest hour, David acted with measured grace: he transferred Mephibosheth’s property to Ziba, and he spared Shimei, even though Abishai wanted to kill him on the spot.Now, as David’s fortunes are restored, Mephibosheth and Ziba come to meet him, fearing the worst. Abishai wants to take revenge on Ziba, but again David spares him (23). Giving Mephibosheth the benefit of the doubt, he redistributes his property between Ziba (29) and him. David is aware that these men could still constitute a threat. As he is dying, he warns Solomon about Shimei (1 Kings 2:8,9). Still, he acts with grace, as his confidence is in God who has restored him (19:23), just as he was conscious of God’s judgment in his time of weakness (16:12).
Apply
Am I the same person when strong as when weak? Do I treat people differently depending on my position?
Closing prayer
God, help me to walk in Your grace regardless of my position or power. I want to walk humbly before You.
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